What is illumination?

Q: What is illumination?

Illumination means “to cast light on” (John 16:13). Only the Holy Spirit can cast light on the Word and make it clear to man, as man is blinded by Satan and unable to understand divine truth by himself (1 Cor. 2:14; 2 Cor. 4:4). In this work, the Holy Spirit makes the written Word understandable and applicable to the individual believer’s needs. Whether the Spirit opens our eyes during study depends on our attitude when approaching the Word (John 7:17). Therefore, it is essential to be filled by means of the Spirit when studying. Furthermore, without the illuminating ministry of the Holy Spirit, we could never understand who we are and why we do the things we do (1 Cor. 2:9–11).

Answered by Gene Cunningham, Basic Training Bible Ministries · from The Basics

Illumination means “to cast light on” (John 16:13). Only the Holy Spirit can cast light on the Word and make it clear to man, as man is blinded by Satan and unable to understand divine truth by himself (1 Cor. 2:14; 2 Cor. 4:4).

In this work, the Holy Spirit makes the written Word understandable and applicable to the individual believer’s needs. Whether the Spirit opens our eyes during study depends on our attitude when approaching the Word (John 7:17). Therefore, it is essential to be filled by means of the Spirit when studying.

Furthermore, without the illuminating ministry of the Holy Spirit, we could never understand who we are and why we do the things we do (1 Cor. 2:9–11).

Also asked: What is the meaning of the term 'illumination' in spiritual context?

Also asked, more loosely

What role does the Holy Spirit play in making the Bible clear and understandable? · How can a person understand divine truth without the help of the Holy Spirit?

Source: The Basics The Basics -- Subject Index entry 'Illumination' (printed pp. 55, 148) · Read this lesson in the book →

What this answer is about

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IlluminationMinistry Satan

Scripture this answer rests on

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John 7:17What BTBM teaches from this chapter →Read it on Blue Letter Bible →

p.55

John 16:13What BTBM teaches from this chapter →Read it on Blue Letter Bible →

p.55

Also printed on these pages

1 Corinthians 2:14What BTBM teaches from this chapter →Read it on Blue Letter Bible →

p.55

2 Corinthians 4:4What BTBM teaches from this chapter →Read it on Blue Letter Bible →

p.55

2 Timothy 2:1-2What BTBM teaches from this chapter →Read it on Blue Letter Bible →

p.55

Psalms 119:89What BTBM teaches from this chapter →Read it on Blue Letter Bible →

p.55

Psalms 119:152What BTBM teaches from this chapter →Read it on Blue Letter Bible →

p.55

2 Peter 1:20What BTBM teaches from this chapter →Read it on Blue Letter Bible →

p.55

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What is illumination?

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Where this is taught in the book

Lesson 2–1: The Manual—The Bible

Lesson 3–3: The Promise—Spirituality

Lesson 2–4: The Equipment—Spiritual Gifts

Lesson 2–2: The Base—The Church